Iranian regime continues brutal crackdown on protesters as three children reported dead
Iran's security forces continue to target protesters after demonstrations erupted last week amid the collapse of the country's currency and soaring inflation.
Three children have reportedly been killed during the ongoing protests in Iran, as escalating demonstrations over the nation's dire economic situation continue into their second week.
A 15-year-old boy from the central Iranian city of Azna was killed on January 1st after Iranian security forces opened fire on protesters, according to the Oslo-based Hengaw Organization for Human Rights and first reported by The Guardian.
The human rights group also alleges that 17-year-old Rasul Kadivarian was killed on January 3rd — along with his 20-year-old brother — after security forces began shooting at protesters in the city of Kermanshah. A third minor whose identity has not been identified was also reportedly killed during recent protests in the city of Qom, according to The Guardian.
The current wave of protests in Iran — sparked by a severe economic crisis including the collapse of the the country's currency and high inflation — erupted on December 28, 2025.
The demonstrations have reportedly spread to more than 100 locations in 22 of Iran's 31 provinces, with nearly 1000 protesters being arrested and at least 20 being killed, according to the US-based group Human Rights Activists in Iran.
Awyar Shekhi, a member of the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, condemned the brutal crackdown on protesters by Iran's security forces.
"State forces are firing directly at gatherings and protests without regard for whether those targeted are children or adults. The crackdowns are brutal: teargas and military-grade weapons are being used, and detainees are severely beaten before being transferred to undisclosed locations,” he explained.
U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media on Friday to state that the U.S. military is "locked and loaded" and will come to the rescue of peaceful protesters if the Iranian regime kills them. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated over the weekend that “rioters must be put in their place”.
The ongoing anti-regime protests across Iran mark the largest demonstrations in the country since a 2022 nationwide uprising sparked by the death of a 22-year-old woman in police custody. Mahsa Amini died under suspicious circumstances after being arrested for allegedly not wearing her headscarf in accordance with government standards.
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COMMENTS
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Peter Bradley commented 2026-01-05 23:45:54 -0500In Rumania also, the communist government fell when the army decided to side with the people and not with the government. -
Bernhard Jatzeck commented 2026-01-05 20:27:56 -0500I remember the last days of the Shah. The situation was similar, with riots in the streets. However, the turning point came in early 1979 when he lost the support of the police and the military. He left the country soon afterward.
The current bunch running Iran might not have much time left. -
Bruce Atchison commented 2026-01-05 19:37:56 -0500Are those whiny leftists even aware of this tragedy? Those pathetic people only care if it’s in their party’s interest to care. What a bunch of dupes! Atrocities anywhere should be the concern of everyone.
